Report: Britton, Hand among relievers Cubs considering

The Chicago Cubs are considering signing a left-handed reliever, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney.

Zack Britton, Brad Hand, Mike Minor, and Will Smith are among the southpaws the Cubs have contemplated signing, sources told Mooney.

Chicago has just one left-hander in its bullpen - projected closer Brandon Hughes.

"There are still free agents out there, so I wouldn't be shocked if we brought someone in," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Thursday, according to Mooney.

"(Our pro scouting) group is always working. We're generally done. But if someone came into camp, I wouldn't be shocked, just because there are some players out there, in particular some relievers."

The Cubs augmented the bullpen this offseason, signing veterans Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger while also claiming right-hander Julian Merryweather off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Chicago's relievers ranked 21st in ERA (4.12) and 30th in home runs allowed per nine innings (1.34) last season.